The Guardian recently painted a stark picture of the UK’s failing approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support. In one particular story, Sam, a bright student with ADHD and autism, was excluded from school—a decision that highlights the frequent misinterpretation of SEND students’ behaviours as mere disruption. Sam’s experience is emblematic of a larger, troubling trend: children from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with SEND, and Black students are disproportionately excluded, often because schools lack the resources or understanding to meet their needs. Read here.
Despite policies aimed at inclusion, the system often responds to unmet needs with punishment. Vulnerable children, who are eager to learn, are left out of the classroom, setting them up for lifelong setbacks, both academically and socially. While the government defends exclusions as necessary for maintaining safety in schools, The Guardian’s article suggests that such measures do more harm than good for the most vulnerable children in our education system.
A publication from the House of Lords Library echoes these concerns. With over 1.6 million pupils identified as having SEND during the 2023/24 academic year—a notable increase from the previous year—the system is under immense pressure. Many special schools are at or over capacity, and mainstream schools, already stretched thin, often struggle to provide the necessary resources. As Baroness Monckton notes, “the money available is not sufficient to provide the services that children are entitled to.” While government initiatives push for increased inclusivity, there’s a glaring gap between intention and reality, and it’s the students who bear the brunt of this disconnect.
However, the challenges in SEND support aren’t merely about funding. What’s truly needed is innovation. At Purple Ruler, we are committed to pioneering that innovation by providing tailored, holistic online learning environments that adapt to each student’s unique needs. Serving over 130 SEND learners across over 50 schools, local authorities, and tutoring programmes, we’ve developed personalised learning plans and use data-driven methods to ensure each child receives the specific support they need. For us, inclusivity is more than a policy—it’s a practice.
In contrast to exclusionary practices that punish children for not fitting into the traditional educational mould, our approach empowers learners to thrive. Whether it’s through differentiated instruction, flexible timetabling, or adaptive teaching strategies, we ensure that each student is equipped to succeed academically and emotionally. As the debate around education reform continues, Purple Ruler is proud to be at the forefront of a new approach—one that values the individual, not just the system.
By investing in adaptive, learner-centered education, we are not just addressing the immediate needs of today’s learners; we are laying the groundwork for a future where every student—regardless of background or ability—has the opportunity to succeed.
Ready to see how Purple Ruler can make a difference? We’re offering a free one-week trial, including up to 18 hours of online instruction tailored to your child’s needs. Contact us today!
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